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Friday, September 18, 2009

Snuggie Sewing Pattern: WTF?

Beware, my friends. Snuggie is invading both the fashion and sewing worlds. For those of you who are lucky enough to live in a culture that is untouched by the Snuggie phenomena, let me explain. (Also: can I come live with you?)

A Snuggie is a blanket. With sleeves. Because, you see, traditional blankets are so terribly inefficient! You can't, like, do stuff in blankets. Important stuff like eating and clicking the remote. Oh, and reading. (Whatever.) Amazingly, Snuggie has a major competitor which has named their product the "Slanket." (Get it? Sleeve/blanket = slanket?)

Snuggie took part in New York Fashion Week on Tuesday, which I have to say, is brilliantly cheeky of them. Jezebel wrote up some must-see hilarious faux commentary on the show here.

But the thing that gets to me is this new McCall pattern (#5970). So, this is considered a "contemporary, trendsetting design"? It's also one of those "one-hour projects" that seem to be replacing designs that are actually interesting. This is truly the Angel of Death to the sewing world, don't you think? I mean, is this where we've ended up? Really?

Come on, guys, let's all go down to Jo-Ann's and pick up some fleece with kittens printed on it! And then we'll have a Snuggie-making party! And sit on our sofas for the rest of our lives!

(I know. I'm a snob.)

I've actually heard people declare these horrid things to be fabulous and ultra cozy. While I do not doubt that one bit (the cozy part), I just don't think I can bring one of these into my life. To me, that's like saying "You know what I need? More fleece! And more sweatpants! Big baggy ones!" I mean, it's in the same direction. The direction I'm trying not to go in.

Okay, true confession time (now that I've alienated anyone who might want one of these): will any of you be making McCall's 5970? Do any of you own a Snuggie? Don't be shy. Jump right in.

I know of the Snuggie/Slanket phenomenon but I think they are ridiculous static electricity-generators. All that fleece! I'd rather snuggle up with a comforter or quilt and just, oh, I don't know, bring my arms above the top to do stuff!

I get the concept, but I'm usually fine wearing a dressing gown/lounger and a blanket. I don't see the need for these.

Like Anna, I never heard of Snuggies or Slankets before. I guess it's an American thing (I'm in the Netherlands)?

Even though I am a person who always is chilly in the winter and even though I love to crawl up on the couch on a cold day and even throw a blanket over me, I can't imagine wearing something like this. Are you a snob when you want to look well dressed, when you treasure quality fabrics and well-made clothing? Well then: I guess I'm a snob too.

PS. I never got the 'fashionable' sweat suits (like from J-lo etc I think?) either. To me a sweatshirt and sweatpants are things you wear when you to the gym, not when you do groceries or *horror* go out for a drink.

I'm in the UK and culturally we're similiar to the US but, I have to confess, I have never heard of a 'snuggie' before (nor would I want to sew one).I have a crocheted blanket for wrapping myself in, much nicer looking than the horror that is the 'Snuggie'.Oh and I completely agree about the baggy trackie bottoms phenomena, uck!!

I'm from Germany and luckily I haven't heard of anything like that yet. Really, I wouldn't want to be seen in such a thing. And I sure wouldn't want to see my hubby in it either. Do you think that snuggies and the high number of divorces are related in any way? And I don't understand the concept of the whole thing. If you're cold, why not put on a pullover/sweater and crawl under a nice woollen blanket or quilt? Where can I sign up for the snob-club?

I assume that you live in an apartment with more heat than you want, so the allure of the slanket or what ever they call it is mysterious to you. I, who live in a house where we like to keep the heat down, do understand the allure, but honestly, I would rather put on a cashmere sweater. Cashmere knit pants would be lovely too, but not in my budget. Snob here too. It's more of the couch potato thing I guess. But, yes what is more disturbing is that McCalls thinks that they are contemporary 'fashion'. The dumbing down of the home sewer. How could we ever want to sew anything that takes more than an hour to complete. It's like all those meals in 20 minutes too. Does no one want the satisfaction of making something that takes a commitment of time and thought these days? I am of the slow sewing, slow cooking mind(no I don't mean using a slow cooker). The process of creativity is enjoyable, not just the end results.

another UK reader and I've never heard of these either! I very very rarely feel the need for a blanket, I have a dressing gown (robe) or I throw on sweater. If I get really cold in the evening I go to bed!

I think with the sleeves on it you'd be tempted to get up and try and walk about doing stuff wearing it, I can forsee a lot of people ending up in the emergency room from tripping on their Snuggies! lol

As for sweatsuits, the most casual I go when I leave the house is jeans, if I do wear sweatpants around the house at the weekend I change before I go out. I can't figure out some of the stuff that people wear out of their houses, I don't think we need to be dressed to the 9's constantly but surely you want to make a little bit of effort to present yourself well? I get dressed with makeup and earrings before doing the school run and then come home and change into my exercise stuff to workout and then get changed back into my regular clothes. Yes it would be far easier and quicker to just pull on the sweats first thing but I like to look a bit nicer than that even for that simple excursion!

I forgot to address the sewing question! I don't see a problem with quick sewing projects. Sometimes I just want to sew a complete garment from start to finish in my limited sewing time so I go for a quick shirt or skirt or make pyjamas or t-shirts for my kids.

Other times I want something a little more challenging so I break out a dress pattern or a shirt pattern for me or reach for the Ottobre magazines for the boys.

I think there is room for all kinds of patterns, whether 1 hour ones or complicated advanced Vogue ones and the 1 hour patterns do encourage new sewers to give it a go and get sewing when they see how simple some things are to make. Some of my first sewing was done from the Quick and Easy patterns and it was the start of a lifelong love affair with sewing. Had I tried something harder at the beginning I may not have carried on with it as I would have probably been discouraged. These type of patterns are to sewing what the garter stitch scarf is to knitting, a place to begin or to do mindlessly when you want to feel the fabric in your hands and hear the machine stitching but don't want to or can't engage your brain for something complicated.

This is hilarious! We get a real kick out of the snuggie commercials in our house. The way the announcer exclaims how wonderful it is to be able to use your arms and the amazement on the actors faces cracks me up. They remind me of monks robes. People: throw on a sweater! Turn up the heat! Use a blanket! It's really not that hard to put your arms over top or stick the remote out the side.

(Sorry, I'm getting a little wound up. We have had numerous conversations about the snuggie in our house)

As for sewing one? Nope. I'd rather sew something pretty for warmth, like a quilt. Or knit a sweater.

I'm in line with the other europeans here (I'm from northern Sweden), I hadn't heard of it until I read this post! It seems a bit... strange...I love dressing up when I leave the house, and dressing down when I'm at home, so I totally get the "it's nice to be comfortable"-thing. However, it seems to me that sweatpants, t-shirts and sweatshirts are really eunough, and way more practical! You can wash them to begin with...I love nothing better than cuddling under a blanket in the couch with a cup of tea on the table, but I hereby make a solem promise that I will never do it wearing a snuggie =)(And you are more than welcome to come live here! But you'll have to bring really warm clothes ; ) )

I'm Canadian, and though we share so much pop culture with the States, I have never, ever seen these bad boys before! Yikes.

Though I agree that this is sort of the sewing equivalent of a TV dinner, I don't mind that McCalls has issued this pattern. We've discussed in previous posts how sewing allows you to choose exactly what you want to wear and how you wear it. Though I might not understand the whole snuggie thing, there are people out there who may be looking to make the perfect snuggie they've been picturing in their head and can't find in a store. Snuggies may not be my taste - but hey, that just means I won't buy the pattern. To each her own!

No, it's not for me--I prefer something prettier I can leave around looking decorative. I also have some nice robes. But the person I know who uses one (she made her own pattern a long time ago) lives in a big old cold house and she reads a lot on the couch. It is not a garment, but a blanket with sleeves. It doesn't bother me at all that she uses it.

Well, I love the idea of a snuggie---it'd be perfect for hankering down in my recliner to watch Project Runway reruns, sewing DVDs, or a good movie on a cold rainy/snowy day/night in MD. As someone said, I live in a house and we keep the heat down to save on energy, so a wrap like this would do good. I love to sew "intermediate" level sewing projects, but it's nice to be able to whip something up fast and easy. I'd love to have one made out of cashmere!!! I also ride the commuter train to work...in the summer the a/c is frigid, something like this would be great to use and fold up in your bag to carry along. I saw someone's "Snuggie" that was ordered off of TV and it was too thin. A fleece one will be much nicer and more comfy.

We've had many discussions in our home as well over the Snuggie. I hate them. I think they look ridiculous. My children laugh at them. When I look at them, to me, it looks like a person is a wearing a robe backwards; so why not save themselves the money and trouble, and just turn their robe around? When it's really chilly in the mornings in our home, and I'm not wanting to wear a sweater or snuggle up in a blanket, I just wear my nice thick robe till I'm ready to get dressed for the day. It's much nicer looking than one of these. I would feel like a real dork in a Snuggie. Hope I haven't offended anyone; this is just my opinion and my personal preference.

Hi there. I was going to pick up this pattern yesterday since McCall's are on sale at JoAnn's. A friend of mine expressed interest in getting a Snuggie for her four year old. He saw an ad on TV. I am thinking of making one for him for the holiday. I may make two more for the homeless shelter. As for me...Not. In. This. Lifetime.

I confess to be a snob too. to always have been a snob. No snuggies for me! I live in the US so I have heard of them but I have never heard of the slanket or knew that snuggie had the audacity to present at fashion week (what is this world coming to?) I also have to confess that I don't own a tv. BUT, I do own a really great knitting pattern for a lace capelet. it is vintage inspired and its purpose is to keep your arms warm when reading in bed (or on the couch). The blanket covers your lower half and this pretty thing covers your upper half. It is mohair and a ribbon yarn i think so it is really pretty. you could probably wear it out over a dress it looks so nice. That is my solution.

Hello Gertie, you can come to live in Paris: this is the very first time I hear of snuggies (I assume by reading my fellows Europeans that it's once again one of those dreadful american phenomenons, like the playboy tee-shirts that invaded us a few years ago ;-) I love blanket and sweaters, thought (more ecological than turning the heat up) and have big plans for elegant pajamas sewing as well. But the problem is not only the blanket: have a look at the contemporary loungewear patterns, it's simply dreadful: sweatpants shapeless tees, at best a snoozy jersey slip! Yet I think it's not because you're relaxing at home that you have to renounce to elegance. Gimme silk charmeuse slips, velvet kimonos, or pajamas made of shirt fabric!I sadly haven't been able to go on the internet as much as I wanted these days, but I found situations symmetrical to mine in every of your last subjects, and that was comforting: thank you Gertie.

You can come visit here in Southern Az - my children normally only wear a fleece jacket (made by yours truly) and a long sleeve shirt for our "freezing" winters - you know when our temps drop to 60 during the day and 35-40 in the mornings!

I wouldn't dream of making one of those "snuggies" - that is why we have blankets, sweaters, socks, and sweat-suit jackets.

We don't wear at-home clothes, such as sweats and tees in public. We normally all wear jean, trousers, skirts (me and yongest daughter), polo shirts, button-down shirts or sweaters while out.

I guess I am a snob too - I was even taught that one should have their hair brushed and face washed before running early in the morning!

Okay, you all are cracking me up. Let me just say for the record that I am NOT opposed to dressing down at home. I like to bum around in pj pants and an old sweater of my husband's. And I'm all for snuggling up on the couch with a blanket and watching some tv or a movie. The hubby and I were joking last night that they'll probably start making Snuggies for two soon--the better to curl up with your sweetheart!

Also, I totally get the keeping the heat down. I do live in an apartment with heat provided (by an old-fashioned radiator--banging and hissing included!) but the landlord doesn't turn it on until it gets really cold. Last night I was feeling quite chilly while writing this post--quite the irony, eh?

I do not have a snuggie, and I think that if I ever felt crazy (or cold) enough to get one, my husband would not stand for it. I really feel like wearing a snuggie is like saying, "I've given up on everything meaningful in life." (Nah, I don't have a strong opinion.) So to answer your other question: I will NOT be picking up that pattern. Another thought: does one really NEED a pattern for this?

What really gets me about the snuggie commercials is that they think people would wear these out of the house... I really, really hope not. I don't care how cold it is at the stadium, you should be ejected for wearing one.

I can see the appeal of the snuggie, but it's just one of those things I put in the category of 'wow, that's totally unnecessary'. It gets damn cold in my house but I will still never get one. My BF and I were watching TV the other night and the commercial came on, so I told him there was a sewing pattern for it... his response was just incredulity.

I will confess to owning 'nice' sweatpants... I don't pay a lot for them, they're just ones I wouldn't be totally embarrassed to be seen in if I have to run a quick errand. Perfect for when you're sick and need to run out to get medicine or tea, or when you want something comfy for a long car ride (I'm talking 6-8 hours). They had more of a place in my life during college, though. Now I mostly just wear them when the BF comes over so that I'm not a complete mess. (It's been 6 years - he's okay with nice sweatpants.)

I'll admit to being a fully paid-up member of the sofa snob club. I recently made two beautiful wool blankets - including one from a gorgeous Irish tweed, a bit more scratchy than fleece certainly, but oh so beautiful and warm. Both of them are bound in bright blanket binding (which had to come from the States, as I couldn't find any here in the UK). The end result is so cool and sophisticated that I now look forward to those chilly evenings in front of the TV or reading a book on the sofa!

I'm from Australia and Snuggies have made their way here too. But what I can't understand is that no-one seems to notice a snuggy is a fleecey dressing gown on backwards. I have a minky dressing gown which does the trick...why would I want to buy a snuggie too?

Goodness gracious, you are snobs aren't you! I suppose if someone had discovered a pattern for one of these that happened to come from 1952 you'd be all over it?

Admittedly, I have not seen any annoying television ads for such a product and might be singing another tune if I had.

Let the people have their slankets or snuggies or whatever they are! Let them learn to sew with simple patterns and fleece covered in kittens!

(But, hey, you wanna know what I hate? Those tapestry totes with frigging cats on them. I actually feel like punching people when I see them. So there you go. We can't all tolerate everything, now can we.)

LOL! I too, think the Snuggy is goofy, so I'm making them for gag gifts for my friends and family for Christmas. (the commercial for the football game cracked me up!). I will not, however, be using the McCalls pattern. I'm using Kwik Sew because they didn't categorize it as Contemporary Fashion -- they didn't call it anything. They are definitely not fashion and certainly not contemporary -- it's a blanket with sleeves. So, I'm going to get rid of the fleece that I have and get revenge on my mom who insists on buying me fleece for sewing by making her one. Hmmm. I should be careful -- she may actually like it and then my plans will have been foiled. I will not, however, be making Snuggies for my dogs. That's just too weird and they won't get the joke.

Have you seen the latest commercial? They have a snuggie for dogs. They show a dog sitting on the couch in his snuggie reading a book with glasses on. My daughter and myself almost fell over laughing. I don't get the snuggie thing. How the heck can a dog wear a snuggie? Too funny and cheesy.

Absolutely WTF. We laugh at these commercials at my house all the of time. Why would you wear these to a sporting event? Wouldn't your back be freezing? A regular blanket goes around your WHOLE body, no breezes. And yes, a sweater is a novel idea as well. Some people will buy anything from TV. Needless to say, I will NOT be sewing up this pattern!

I vaguely remember big headline news about Snuggies several months ago, in *business sections* of the paper, but I can't remember exactly, wish I did because at the time I remember it felt like a huge punchline: they were the only consumer item making great profits or something last December. Something surreal and wildly Only-In-America (and apparently Australia, lol) slash sign-of-the-apocolypse. But also sign, with economy in freefall, of America's collective desire to escape the outside world, crawl into a cocoon in front of the boob tube and go into hibernation until it all blows over.

Reminded me too of the Quillo craze, same kind of thing only just took the home-sewing/crafting world not the whole TV-watching country by storm- maybe late-80s or early 90s. It was a throw-sized quilt with a pocket on one edge, and you could fold it all into its pocket and make a pillow, or you could use it as a quilt and keep your feet warm in the pocket. We made it as a middle school girl scout project, and I remember the same kind of commentary: 'OK I get it, but can't you just put on socks?' kind of thing. I know what places it in time: same time as Multiples were the hit fashion item at school and really big in the home-sewing circles too because the world's easiest things to make, all simple straight lines.

WELL! I live in an apartment in Cleveland, were the landlord does not turn the heat on(heat is included with the rent) until they have to. usually my apartment turns ice cold before the outside temperture is below 60 degrees. I'm really thinking about buying some fleece and making a "slanket". If I do, it will done free hand. I would make one so that I can move around the apartment. When I'm cold the only thing I can do is stay under covers and that's not so productive.

I'm in the minority here. While I, personally, would never wear a snuggie (though I find the commercials hilarious), I don't have a problem with McCall's issuing the pattern. After all, McCall's is a business, they must have decided there's a market for homemade snuggies, and I'd rather pattern companies make their profits where they can, stay in business so they can keep offering the patterns I want to buy! Who knows, maybe snuggies will be a real winner for them and give them the ability to offer an even greater variety of high fashion patterns that might not sell as many copies but that I want to buy.

Here in Australia the snuggie has landed....... yes even in a country where it only gets cold enough to snow in one place on the entire continent... I personally love the people in the commercials going as a little technicolour snuggie family to a soccer game! Because you aren't a family until you go out in public in matching fleecies!!!!

I work at a hardware store and we have a small "As Seen On TV" section....every Snuggie I've sold was purchased for a gag gift (or so they claimed). Add that to Monkey Butt Powder, The Slap Chop and Mighty Putty and we've got a country full fad followers. Although, I myself fell victim in high school when the latest had-to-have was....wait for it....FOOTED/FITTED PJS FOR ADULTS. They were pink and glorious until I grew about an inch and couldn't wear them anymore. Looked like Ralphie from A Christmas Story in his bunny suit. It was the 80's people! HaHa.-Kristina

I adored the Snuggie commercial with the dog snuggie! If you notice the little Bichon is reading a book about training Bichons; at least these Snuggie people have a sense of humor!

I am planning on making a fleece garment for my little Bichon, who now has heart failure and I am sure will be cold. I will probably make something a bit more fitted so she doesn't have an accident, jumping on and off her favorite perches. But, fleece is great for dogs as there is very little fitting involved and it's easy to wash.

To me the Snuggie is just a Monk's robe in a high tech fabric. Everything old is new again.

Yes, they're ridiculous and hideous. Yes, wearing a robe backwards would accomplish the same thing.

Why do I want one? I'm a writer who works at home. In the mornings in the winter, my office is cold -- so I huddle in front of my computer with a blanket wrapped around me. Said blanket leaves my arms cold. Said blanket slips off my shoulders. So I spend the first couple of hours of the workday thinking about how cold I am (and yes, I'm bundled in sweaters) instead of writing. To complete my humiliation, I'll cop to the fact that this "cold winter" takes place in Southern California -- those of you in Minnesota and other actual cold places may fall off your chairs laughing right about now.

Anyway, the slanket, as ridiculous, laughable and undignified as it is, has piqued my interest. Will I make one? You betcha -- 'cause there's no way I'm actually going to pay retail for a couple of yards of fleece with sleeves.

Ok, I admit to having laughed over snuggies and slankets, but seeing the pattern, and having just been reading wardrobe refashion, would all of us sewing snobs change our tune if these were made from vintage quilts instead of cheapo Joanns fleece? You know, the slightly ripped or stained ones for $5 at goodwill? I would never have considered either buying or making, but there's a really pretty/slightly stained grandmothers fan quilt at my local thrift store... And now I'm thinking it might make an awesome Xmas present this year...

My sister and her boyfriend have done very well out of selling the Slanket through their business down here in Australia, so I guess that's a whole continent you will have to avoid ;o) It's true they absolutely CRACKLE with static electricity. I've been offered a free one which I declined. Many, many other friends and family members have been given them as presents though. On more than one occasion I have popped in to visit someone who greeted me at the door in their Slanket and been *!zapped!* along with a hello embrace.

I'll freely admit that I'm one of those people who gets ridiculously cold...I only live as far north as the mid-Atlantic, and already (even though the temps haven't really dropped below 60) I've found myself with hands that are getting cold and having to wear longer sleeves. Every year when winter rolls around, I pray that I never have to move further north. That being said, I don't think I'd want a slanket for myself. I'd much rather wrap up in a nice thick sweater (no cashmere for me, I'm unfortunately allergic to wool) or a quilt. My mom is an avid quilter, and I've been spoiled by lots of colorful homemade blankets over the years. And if I really wanted to do that, I'd just stick my robe on backwards. I would possibly consider sewing a slanket, though-- one of my good friends was complaining about her roommate taking it with her when she gets married this October, so I was half-joking with her about sewing one for her. (I do know she's the type who would only sit in her apartment with it, though--she's generally quite fashionable otherwise!)

When I was a kid we got my dad a blanket that turned into a robe. It was awesome. The long sides wrapped around you and zipped about half way up. Then you took the top corners and folded them up over your shoulders so the top (short) side would snap to where the zipper stopped. Looked like kimono sleeves then. It was great because you could snuggle up, still read your book and jump up to answer the phone without dis-blanketing.

I wear my robe backwards but thought about making a snuggie type deal because the sleeves of the robe are awkward facing the wrong way. and it's not long enough. That's in addition to having five or six home made quilts on my bed. Some of us just get colder than others.

We don't have them here in Norway yet, but I expect them to show up any time, now. (You are welcome to come and stay, Gertie, your blog is one of my absolute favorites). They look very much like what we would call a housecoat, only backwards, in cheap material and without anything for closure. They don't look practical to me. We use regular blankets and hot tea (sometimes toddy, cocoa or gløgg) on a cold winter night. Sometimes we even bring our duvets and snuggle up to watch a movie. I don't think I would spend precious time or money on a snuggie, slanket, slanks or onesies for myself. And no pacifier, either.

I never have understood the appeal of the snuggie. It just makes me wonder if people have forgotten about housecoats and sweaters. I had no idea how successful it was, though. I guess that's just another of the benefits of not owning a TV.

@Becky: By the way, cashmere isn't wool, it's mohair -- meaning it's from goats, not sheep -- so it's possible that you may not be allergic. I know people who are allergic to mohair and not wool, so it may be possible for allergies to work the other way. You could get a test garment from your local charity chop.

I have a snuggie of sorts. A gift from my grandparents a couple Christmases ago. It is snuggly and warm, but do generate a lot of static electricity, which takes a little comfort out of the snuggle. Definitely not going to waste time and money making one. Blech!

Ha these are so RETRO.. during the early 80's they were made like quilts, with Big snaps to snap the sleeves, and fronts. They were not made from fleece but more like cheap quilts. And back then they came out with patterns for them too. At least if someone made it from a nice quilting pattern it wouldnt be so bad!!!!!!!!!

Ha these are so RETRO.. during the early 80's they were made like quilts, with Big snaps to snap the sleeves, and fronts. They were not made from fleece but more like cheap quilts. And back then they came out with patterns for them too. At least if someone made it from a nice quilting pattern it wouldnt be so bad!!!!!!!!!

Ok,, well I have to say that we keep the heat down in our home, and guess what I MADE MYSELF A SNUGGIE!Last year no pattern, I used a fleece blanket that I had and yes I sit around in the winter with my SUGGIE ON! The DH also like to sit under the suggie with me(he doesn't get the arms just me.I happen to love it and yes I have even slept with it on.SO there!

The only thing I hate about the Snuggie is that I didn't think of it first. The commercials are ridiculous and the idea of it does seem a bit off, but it works. I did purchase the McCalls pattern, I got the last one, so there are apparently plenty of snuggie fans out here. I am making everyone in my family one. The McCalls snuggie has an optional pocket at the inside bottom that you can tuck your feet into. I am actually chuckling as I type this. But everyone in my house will have a snuggie with the optional foot pocket, as well as a pocket in the front--you know to keep pens or an Ipod or something. You all can have your cashmere, we will be fleecing it up this winter! :-)

The thing that bugs me the most about the Snuggie/Slanket commercials is how much they're charging for what's basically a cheap fleece blanket with sleeves. I don't want one myself, but I'll probably make one for my sis-in-law who's always cold - and that way I know the quality will be better and the price less. And the idea of some of your commenters to make a quilted version is a good one.

I'm not sure why this product makes some people think that others have become classless or lazy. Sure, the commercials are silly, but so are many others.

BTW, KwikSew also came out with a similar style this fall, which is likely better drafted than the McCall's pattern.

I'm one of those weirdos who is actually planning to make one of these things...but it isn't for me. My husband work on an offshore oil rig, and we have no idea how cold it's going to get out in the middle of the ocean (plus, he's the biggest wimp EVER when he's cold!), so I thought it would make a good Christmas gift for him. I guess his laziness and love of reading doesn't hurt the situation either. Personally, I prefer warm clothing and just getting used to not being hot all the time, but it'll give me a really easy gift for my husband, so why not?!

I am laughing hysterically because I found this looking for a pattern for my children. I won't buy the snuggies off TV but I am going to try to find some cheap fleece and make some :) We love robes too - we live in Milwaukee and keep the heat LOW so these are for hanging out reading, watching movies, playing games. BUt I'll be making them as gowns so that you can slip them over your head and not have to tie it or belt it. Honestly, my pet peave about robes is that the belt loops break or get lost or get all twisted if you spill on them. And kids running around in robes trip on them when they untie ;)

I'll be making these this year. keeping temp set at 65 to save money. will be keeping my kids warm this year while watching TV. Forget the fashion snobs -- Your only wearing these in the privacy of your own home.

I never leave the house in sweatpants, in pajamas or workout clothes (unless, of course, I'm going out to workout), nor do I go out of the house with my hair a mess or without brushing my teeth first. But I'm very cold-natured (probably due to thyroid issues) and if we made the house comfy for me, my husband and kids would bake. So I have taken one of my favorite blankets (it's not fleece, btw) and sewn it up to create a snuggie-like item. That keeps me so comfortable when I curl up with a book and a cup of hot tea. Sure I could address the issue of my being cold in other ways, but I have free will and this is how I choose to keep warm at home on the couch or in my big chair...oh the joys of living in a free country! And to those who'd judge me for that choice I say: WTF? --Claudia

My friends and I are regulars at our college football games. (Go Penn State) After the sun goes down during a night game you get so cold you can't stand it, then you remember you have a blanket with arms. You can't sit out on the wave just because you're cold! Being seniors this year we did not want to miss a game and we made our own blankets with arms. I refuse to wear sweatpants to class, even at 8 in the morning, but during a football game on cold bleachers there's not much you can wear in the ways of fashion.

Are you kidding me? You're not supposed to actually wear this out of the house (unless you're going somewhere that wearing a blanket would be appropriate, like a football game). Fleece is great for kids; my 5 year old hates having his arms out of the blanket when he curls up on a cold morning. The fabrics the Snuggie Co. has chosen are hideous, so I'm going to make my kids one with more attractive, thicker fleece. Why the Snuggie hate? Again, you DON'T WEAR THEM OUT OF THE HOUSE. Since when is curling up under fleece to read a good book the same as wearing baggy sweats to run errands? And.....how in heaven's name is it like wearing a diaper?

Wow...I was just going to order 3 snuggies as Christmas presents for my kids, who are always cold and wrapping our little fleece throws around themselves. Then I noticed the crappy colors and high price, so thought about sewing them. Now I'm embarrassed! They do kinda remind me of hospital gowns.

Well forget buying the pattern. Why pay real money when you can download from internet for free.Why am I making this? Because I'm not much of a seamstress and I have family members who love to get something made just for them. They'd rather have a funky blanket than a bunch of video games from me. They always tell me that's what grandparents are for. (More likely the grands don't know to check violence levels and I do.)

Don't waste your money! My husband won one as a prize at work. They are made for 12 foot tall giants, you can't get up and walk in one like a robe, and the worst part is that it is the thinnest flimsiest fleece I've ever seen. A sheet would keep you just about as warm! More advertising hype than anything. ~Diane

I am in the camp of thinking that the commercial ones are most likely junk, but I think I would like to find some cozy material that I really like (not necessarily fleece, bleh) and make a better quality one myself. If it doesn't take terribly long, I might make them for my brothers as well. They will laugh; then they will use them and not admit that they love them.

I unfortunately am very aware of the Snuggie! My YO son has been begging for one, but 1) I sew and 2) part of my home business is blankets. Sadly, I am resorting to making one for him out of Organic Cotton Sherpa fabric. I'm also making a custom one for a customer out of bamboo fleece. While my snuggies may contribute to the death of fashion sense, at least I won't be contributing to the death of our planet! ;)

I have to admit I got bitten by the bug. I made them for all the kids for christmas this year. I liked the idea of them being personalized with whatever fabric I picked out. The kids love them. I figured it was a good thing seeing we have had alot of power outages the last few years...now we probably won't have one...lol. I also sit there watching the commercials laughing thing how silly but here I am after making them..they are kinda neat. But I have to admit I dont own one. My next thing is making one for my pups.

1) My wife and I both have a snuggie. Her's is pink as it was part of a local Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Awareness fundraiser program, meaning the proceeds went to a really worthwhile cause, so slam it and mock it if you (heart) breast cancer. Mine is "camel" (tan) as I asked for that color as opposed to more feminine tone during the fundraiser. We wear them while watching TV, reading or playing games. The cats love to sit on them and they're easy to wash up (dryer sheets cut down on the static.)

2) With the pattern, my wife can make one on her own with slightly better arctic fleece than the one the manufacturer uses.

As far as being elitist? I think you grandparents would consider you to be slovenly, not even getting all dolled up to watch those celebrities on your tele-vision box. My own Grandmother would put on her finest fashion and make-up for Lawrence Welk.

Seriously, Snuggies are ridiculous. You might as well just wrap yourself in a bolt of fabric. And the commercials are dumb. Is anybody really that clumsy that they can't take their arm from under a blanket and use a remote? And the real kicker is the one at the football game. What about your backside? Nobody's bum get cold? To summarize...I think they are stupid and will never be in my possession!

Before I go any further in my side of the case, I just want to explain that I am born (almost) and bred Texan (moved there @ 6 months old, never knew anything different). When I was 27 for the 2nd or 3rd time - I keep forgetting which - I married and moved to my husband's home town, a little place that, translated, means Breast, Idaho. It's right under the Teton Mountains, and the road closure occurs about 5ish miles from where I live. So, I go from a normal of 110 temp in summer to normal of 80ish in summer; and a normal of 60ish, high 50ish in winters to a NORMAL of at least -10......... No matter what, I'm always cold.

I will proudly & loudly admit I DO own a snuggie! LoL. It was given to me as a gift before I learned how to sew. I specifically asked for it. Now that I know how to sew, I plan on making one for my little girls, and if any of our boys want one.

Oh, and this will get loads of you, haha, I originally wanted the snuggie because the office I worked in was so horrendously cold! Not only I, the former Texan, walked around in coat and learned to type in gloves, but natives also wore scarves and jackets and fingerless gloves. (I learned how to type with the fingered gloves!)

Everyone had blankets to lay over their lap, etc etc. I would be so cold the nails under my skin would turn blue, I invested in hot chocolate stock, and wore the ski hat, gloves, scarf and large coat. Always. lol I even bought one of the long lined woolen coats thinking it would be more like a blankie, but the lining would get cold when I would move! That's a terrible, terrible feeling!

I love fleece...and I now know how to, and will, make myself a long fleece jacket for my next job (if any come along - crossed fingers!). The snuggie, when I put it on at work, just seems to hold in the body heat so well, and it doesn't get cold AT ALL. I could function, and like the writer above, I didn't spend the first hour of work unproductive trying to move about the office as quickly as possible to work up a good sweat before sitting down again! I'm glad I had it, didn't care what it made me look like - people could only see the back of my head anyway, so meh.... If anyone DID come to my desk, or anyone wanted to speak to me, I simply let the thing slide off my arms and because the arm holes were so big, my thick sweaters fit in there easily, and I never got stuck. I didn't walk around with it either.

Now that they've laid me off - Thanks...... - The snuggie has come home with me, and I still love/use it! Mostly only when I'm watching a movie and crocheting at the same time, though. I still don't walk around in it, worrying as others voiced about trips to the ER - no insurance now..... Thanks, again, ex-employer! I do, however have a really long black minky type robe that I wear if it's cold in the house and I'm moving. Which is most of the time.

I agree that the snuggie is much like the open back hospital gowns, and have conducted an experiment with myself. I wondered why I didn't just wear the robe when watching tele and crocheting. And for me, it's the lack of freedom of movement. lol I know that sounds horrible, but even tho my robe is huge, when I sit down and get settled, it slides down eventually cause when you sit, you smooth yourself in the back so there's no bumps or uncomforting bunches. And when *I*, who has my crocheting junk (as my kids call it, the oafs) in a large bag (that I DID make, and no, there are no cats on it) reach over to get my scissors, or switch yarn, or whatever, the robe was stuck under me. With the snuggie, it lays on top of you. You get stuck, you just move .... whatever. But I never get stuck with my snuggie. And yes, I know I could simply get up, readjust, but when I'm really into a good movie and crocheting like a mad beast... I don't wanna have to get up and start over. I'm lazy like that.

Before I go any further in my side of the case, I just want to explain that I am born (almost) and bred Texan (moved there @ 6 months old, never knew anything different). When I was 27 for the 2nd or 3rd time - I keep forgetting which - I married and moved to my husband's home town, a little place that, translated, means Breast, Idaho. It's right under the Teton Mountains, and the road closure occurs about 5ish miles from where I live. So, I go from a normal of 110 temp in summer to normal of 80ish in summer; and a normal of 60ish, high 50ish in winters to a NORMAL of at least -10......... No matter what, I'm always cold.

I will proudly & loudly admit I DO own a snuggie! LoL. It was given to me as a gift before I learned how to sew. I specifically asked for it. Now that I know how to sew, I plan on making one for my little girls, and if any of our boys want one.

Oh, and this will get loads of you, haha, I originally wanted the snuggie because the office I worked in was so horrendously cold! Not only I, the former Texan, walked around in coat and learned to type in gloves, but natives also wore scarves and jackets and fingerless gloves. (I learned how to type with the fingered gloves!)

Everyone had blankets to lay over their lap, etc etc. I would be so cold the nails under my skin would turn blue, I invested in hot chocolate stock, and wore the ski hat, gloves, scarf and large coat. Always. lol I even bought one of the long lined woolen coats thinking it would be more like a blankie, but the lining would get cold when I would move! That's a terrible, terrible feeling!

I love fleece...and I now know how to, and will, make myself a long fleece jacket for my next job (if any come along - crossed fingers!). The snuggie, when I put it on at work, just seems to hold in the body heat so well, and it doesn't get cold AT ALL. I could function, and like the writer above, I didn't spend the first hour of work unproductive trying to move about the office as quickly as possible to work up a good sweat before sitting down again! I'm glad I had it, didn't care what it made me look like - people could only see the back of my head anyway, so meh.... If anyone DID come to my desk, or anyone wanted to speak to me, I simply let the thing slide off my arms and because the arm holes were so big, my thick sweaters fit in there easily, and I never got stuck. I didn't walk around with it either.

Now that they've laid me off - Thanks...... - The snuggie has come home with me, and I still love/use it! Mostly only when I'm watching a movie and crocheting at the same time, though. I still don't walk around in it, worrying as others voiced about trips to the ER - no insurance now..... Thanks, again, ex-employer! I do, however have a really long black minky type robe that I wear if it's cold in the house and I'm moving. Which is most of the time.

I agree that the snuggie is much like the open back hospital gowns, and have conducted an experiment with myself. I wondered why I didn't just wear the robe when watching tele and crocheting. And for me, it's the lack of freedom of movement. lol I know that sounds horrible, but even tho my robe is huge, when I sit down and get settled, it slides down eventually cause when you sit, you smooth yourself in the back so there's no bumps or uncomforting bunches. And when *I*, who has my crocheting junk (as my kids call it, the oafs) in a large bag (that I DID make, and no, there are no cats on it) reach over to get my scissors, or switch yarn, or whatever, the robe was stuck under me. With the snuggie, it lays on top of you. You get stuck, you just move .... whatever. But I never get stuck with my snuggie. And yes, I know I could simply get up, readjust, but when I'm really into a good movie and crocheting like a mad beast... I don't wanna have to get up and start over. I'm lazy like that.

Honestly I at one point would have 100% completely agreed with you. I mocked, and taunted all the people who thought the snuggie was the the "coolest", thinking to myself, "Why don't you just take your arms up, is it that hard?". Then abut a month ago I received on as a gift, and though hell why not try it, so I did. Let me tell you, the snuggie is absolutely the best, its convenient, and comfy. Its basically a convenient blanket! I say get over yourselves and give it a try!

I know this post is from almost a year ago but I just couldn't stop laughing when I read it. My dad got me a snuggle two or three years ago for Christmas. But it's not just any snuggle it's a Weezer snuggie! Weezer, snuggie. Two things I thought couldn't get any worse. While it was well intentioned never once have I worn my snuggie and listened to Weezer's "Rattitude." instead I used the snuggie to line my cat carrier for when he goes to the vet. This is for a cat that gets incredibly car sick. However I must note that the snuggie was incredibly absorbent of the cat shit piss and vommit.

OK, I have made this pattern. I'm a fairly newbie to sewing and I mnade it with a christmas print minky for my grandmother.My mom uses hers in the car as she gets cold while the rest of us are comfortable and I could see it if you are in a very cold room trying to read with short sleeves, but I wouldn't actually wear one myself.Thats my 2 cents.